I think we all know where I stand on this issue, pretty sure the answer is a big fat NO. Being fat is not always a choice. We do have control of our lifestyle which can absolutely affect weight on a daily basis, however, to suggest that genetics plays only a minor role is seriously a bunch of crap. Period. The author of the article, “Confessions of a Chubster – The moral crusade on fatties” states, “Being fat is a choice. Genetics plays a role, sure. So does your upbringing. But you do not get fat unless you’re eating more than you need to nourish your body. That’s basic science.” http://www.wweek.com/portland/article-18663-confessions_of_a_chu.html

Basic science in his case obviously provided him without the metabolic challenge that many people, including myself, deal with every day. He says you do not get fat unless you are eating more than you need to. Again, a bunch of crap. I hate to repeat myself but we all know someone who can put away food like there is no tomorrow and stay fit and lean while others who even just think about a pint of Ben & Jerry’s gain 5 pounds. That is just the way it is and, yes, it is science. To put it simply, those people were not born with the wonderfully nondiscriminatory fat gene!!!

He mentions upbringing as contributory but does not elaborate whether he was a chubby kid or not. Back in the years when I was a kid in the 60’s to 70’s, my diet was controlled by what my mother cooked and school lunches. I was always a fat kid. Was I overeating?? No. We did not have an abundance of snacks in house like candy, chips, or other junk food. If we wanted an evening snack it usually would consist of saltines with peanut butter or fruit. Ice cream was a real treat, and certainly not daily consumption, and eating out was a rare occasion. We were not allowed soda with our meals and to really bring home my point, I am from a household where you literally drank juice in a “juice glass” for the portion size. See where I am going with this??

Kudos to the author for losing 100 pounds in 8 months! It once again just reiterates my point that everyone is different and what will work for one may not work for another. I am sure more will agree with me that his success is what is so deftly phrased as “Results not typical.”

With a bunch of butt shots with measurements (yes I said measurements!) coming up to the slow rocking beat of stripper music, my video Fat Chicks and Unfriendly Chairs definitely has the market cornered on making light of being heavy 🙂 Making Light of Being Heavy is a comical book with opinions and observations from a fat chick’s point of view that puts an unexpected and funny spin on dealing with the fat gene!